Google ranks local results on relevance, distance and prominence. You cannot change where you are, but you can improve the other two. Work through this list in order.
Set up the foundation
- Claim and verify your Google Business Profile. Nothing else works until this is done.
- Choose the most specific primary category. “Family dentist” beats “Dentist” if it fits.
- List every service with a one-line description.
- Check your name, address and phone number match exactly on your website, profile and major directories.
Make your website local
- Give each service its own page. One page listing everything rarely ranks.
- Add a page for each area you serve with details that are true only for that area, such as neighborhoods, landmarks or typical jobs.
- Test your site on a phone. Most local searches are mobile, and slow pages lose calls.
Build prominence
- Ask every happy customer for a review and send them a direct link.
- Reply to every review within a few days, including the critical ones.
- Earn local mentions from chambers of commerce, sponsors pages and local news.
What to expect
Businesses that complete the first seven steps usually see more profile views and calls within four to eight weeks. Reviews and local links then keep that position secure. In Sussex County, update hours and photos before summer, when searches rise sharply.
Want this done for you? See our local SEO services.